Digging machine



July so, 1957 Filed July 22, 1954 L- C- LEDERER DIGGING MACHINE .4 Sheds-Sheet "1 F1 El-E JNVENTOR. LESTER C. LEDERE ATTORNEYS y 1957 L. c. LEDERER 2,801,012

DIGGING MACHINE Filed July 22, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 b? I o .00 64 -10! a s2 I02 l INVENTOR. LESTER C. LEDERER A T TORNEYS L. c. LEDERER 2,801,012

DI'GGING MACHINE July 30, 1957 Filed July 22, 1954 4' Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. LESTER CLEDERER A TTORNEYS DIG-SING MACHINE Lester C. Lederer, Willows, Calif.

Application July 22, 1954, Seriai No. 444,995

3 Claims. (Cl. 214-4138) This invention relates to digging machines and more particularly to an all-purpose machine for digging square holes and performing a variety of allied tasks.

Heretofore digging machines have been restricted to forming a hole with arcuate sides since the scooping movement has been limited by the swing of a rigid bucket arm. conventionally, the digging bucket has been relatively fixed with respect to the arm and has been adjustable only by interrupting operations and relatively permanently changing the angle of the bucket with respect to the arm. Hence, conventional machines have been restricted in use and adaptability to varying digging conditions. Known machines are also generally usable only as a shovel (digging by moving away from the machine) or as a back hoe (digging by moving toward the machine) and therefore a separate machine must be used for the different operations.

It is therefore a main object of this invention to provide a machine capable of variety in use and great adaptability. The machine of this invention is capable of digging a square hole with vertical sides since the bucket included herein is adapted to be power-tilted during operation to enable greater facility in earth handling.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a bucket for a digging machine which bucket is reversible with respect to the bucket arm so that the machine may be used as a shovel or as a back hoe.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a digging machine which is greatly maneuverable by having its front and rear ground wheels independently steerable. In this cOnnection it will be noted that the machine of this invention may be operated in locations with restricted clearance, and that the digging bucket may be operated in front of the machine (as is normal) or to the side of the machine where such is necessary to avoid obstacles.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a winch and hoist line incorporated in a digging machine, which hoist line may be used to lift obstructions which may interfere with the digging operation. The winch and hoist cable of this invention may also be used as a towing device through the novel provision of sidethrust pulleys.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an outrigger for stabilizing a digging machine which outrigger is adjustable from the machine cab and may be used as a bulldozer for clearing and/ or leveling the digging site.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a novel control system for a digging machine which eliminates control levers by combining what would ordinarily be the functions of two levers into one universal lever. In this connection it is also important to note that this invention provides simple, cab-operable means for transferring control from one of the digging functions to the hoist-tow function above mentioned.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a fully hydraulic system for control of all functions of a digging machine.

Other objects and advantages Will appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the digging machine of this invention with the bucket thereof in position for back hoeing;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of that portion of the machine of Fig. 1 showing the operators cab;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a partial, enlarged top plan view of the front portion of the machine of Fig. 1 showing the boom-swing turntable and winch;

Fig. 5 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a partial, enlarged side elevational view of the lower portion of the machine of Fig. l, with the wheel removed, showing the outrigger and actuation mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a semi-schematic view of a portion of the hydraulic control system of the machine of Fig. 1 showing the controlled parts in phantom outline;

Fig. 8 is a semi-schematic view of another portion of the hydraulic control system of the machine of Fig. 1 showing the controlled parts in phantom outline;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the master control levers and one of its associated control valves;

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the lever of Fig. 9, as seen from line 10-10, and showing the other control valve associated with such lever;

Fig. 11 is a greatly enlarged side elevational view of the bucket shown in Fig. l, but as seen from the other side thereof and with the bucket in the reversed or nor.- mal shoveling position;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the bucket of Fig. 11; and,

Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of Fig. 12.

In detail, referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, this invention will be seen to comprise a vehicle 1 having a frame 2 supported above the ground on front and rear, bearingsupported, ground wheels 3, 4 respectively. It will be noted that the ground wheels form a tricycle gear, that is, front wheels 3 are spaced at either side of frame 2 and rear wheels 4 are positioned centrally of said frame. Mounted on vehicle 1 is engine 5 which is connected to drive front wheels 3 through universal drive shafts 6, 7 (Fig. 3), transmission 8, clutch 9 and differential 10. The engine and driving controls associated with engine 5 are operable from the cab of the machine, including operators seat 11 (Figs. 1, 2), and include gear shift 12, throttle 13, and brake and clutch pedals 14.

Rotatably mounted on vehicle 1 forward of the operators cab is turntable assembly 17 (Figs. 1, 4). Said turntable assembly comprises an annular member or discshaped plate 18 having a central opening 19 in which is secured sleeve 20 (Fig. 5). Supporting plate 18 and sleeve 20 for rotation, and residing internally of sleeve 20 concentric therewith, is bearing sleeve 21 which is secured at its lower end (as by welding) to plate 22 underlying plate 18. Plate 22 is supported on and secured to frame members 2 (Fig. 5 as by bolts 23.

The peripheral edge of plate 22, extending outside of frame 2, is secured to an upstanding flange 24 the upper end of which surrounds but is slightly spaced from the peripheral edge of plate 18. A plurality of upstanding ears 25 (Figs. 1, 4, 5) are secured at spaced points around flange 24 and extend above the level of plate 18. In order to support the marginal or peripheral edge of plate 18each ear 25 is provided with a pair of rollers 26, 27 contacting the upper and lower sides of plate 18 respectively. Lower rollers 27 are mounted on shafts 28 which are secured to plate 22 which may extend slightly outwardly of ears 25. Slots 34 may be provided in plate 22 to accommodate rollers 27. Upper rollers 26 are providedwith'internal bushings 29 rotatably mounted on the headed, eccentric portion 39 of shaft 31, the other threaded portion of which extends through and is secured to the upper portion of ear 25 'by nut 33; j Due'tothe eccentricity of shaft portion 30'it will be seen that the space between rollers 26 and 27 may be adjusted so that both rollers friction'ally engage plate 18 for support thereof. Grease fittings 35 may be provided forlubricating rollers 26, 27 and bearing 21.

I Securely mounted atop plate 18 (as by welding) are upstanding triangular plates 36, 37 (Figs. '1, .4, '5) which may be laterally'braced by diagonal members 38. Pivotally connected as by pin 39 to the lower corners of plates 36', 37 outside of turntable assembly '17 is rigid boom 40 (Fig. 1). Plates 36, 37 may be recessed as at 41 to allow'passageof ears 25 and rollers 26. Boom 40 is movably held in its position, angularly disposed with respect to'the' axis of rotation of turntable .18, by hydraulic cylinder 42 which is pivotally connected to the upper apex of plates 36, 37 by pin 43 and at a point on boom 40 spaced from pin 39 by pin 44 and cars 45 extending from boom Adjacentears 45 boom 40 is provided with an aperture forreceivingpivot pin 46 which, by means of ears 47, pivotally connects downwardly depending bucket arm 48 thereto. 'Centrally of its length bucket arm 48 is provided with ears 49'which receive pin 50 for pivotally securing hydraulic cylinder 51 thereto. The other end of cylinder 51is pivotally connected by pin 52 and ears 53 to the lower end of boom 40 so as to be capable of varying the angularity between bucket arm 48 and boom 40.

Atthe lower end of said bucket arm digging bucket 54 (to be more fully described) will be seen to be pivotally connected thereto as by pin 55. Similarly hydraulic cylinder 56 extendsbetween ears 57, secured tothe upper portion of bucket arm 48, and a point on the same side of bucket 54 but removed from pivot pin 55, said cylinder being pivotally connected at both such points as by pins 58, 59. In this manner, it is seen that actuation of cylinder 56'will cause bucket 54 to tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of bucket arm 48.

At the outermost end of boom 40, past pivot pin 46, "such boom is provided with a yoke 60 which receives head sheave or pulley 61 rotatably mounted therein. Secured to plates 36, 37, approximately centrally of turntable 18, are a pairof bearing supports 62, 63 (Figs. 1, 4, for receiving the shaft 64 of knuckle sheave or pulley 65. Underneath plate 22 and approximately centrally of tumtable'asse mbly 17 three pulley guide assembly 66 (Fig. 5) is provided secured to cross-frame member 67. Such a guide assembly comprises a pair of spaced, horizontal pulleys 68, 69 rotatably secured between frame member .67 and upper horizontal plates 70 by bolts 71, 72, and vertical pulley 73 mounted on shaft 74 between supports 75 which are secured to the inside of sleeve 21.

Winch or cable drum 76 is mounted between frame members 2 (Fig. 4) rearwardly of turntable assembly 17 and is driven through gear reduction box 77 by hydraulic motor 78. Vertical pulley 73 is so placed that cable 79 from drum 76 passes under such pulley and upwardly substantially centrally of sleeve 21. In so doing cable 79 also passes substantially between horizontal pulleys 68, 69 for a purpose to be described. As previously described knuckle sheave 65 is so placed that when cable 79 passes thereover the portion of such cable between sheave 65 and pulley 73 is substantially on the rotational axis of turntable '18. Cable 79 thereafter passes over head sheave 61 and may terminate in lifting hook 80 (Fig. 1). In this manner cable 79 may be used for lifting obstructionswhich may interfere with the digging operation or for any other general use and because of the placement of pulleys 65, 73 will be unaffected by the rotation of turntable 18 and the resultant swinging of boom 40.

If it is desired to use cable 79 for the purpose of towing vehicle 1 or otherwise moving any object horizontally with respect thereto, it is necessary only to rethread said cable so as to extend horizontally forwardly of the vehicle between pulleys 68, 69. In this manner if such towing or the like is done at an angle with the longitudinal axis of vehicle 1, pulleys 68, 69 will take any side thrust developed. It has been found that in applying the machine of this invention to the great variety of tasks of which it is capable that the hoist and/or towing provisions hereinbefore described immeasurably increase the utility and adaptability of such machine.

In order to provide a more stable platform from which to operate the machine of this invention an outrigger or horizontal member 83 is provided extending across the front of vehicle 1 and underneath turntable assembly 17 (Figs: 1,3, 6). Such outrigger comprises a vertically disposed plate 84 backed by a horizontally disposed I- beam 85 which 'is mounted at the forward end of horizontally extending arms 86 which at their rear end are pivotally connected as by pin 87 to extensions 88 of frame 2.. As a consequence outrigger 83 is free to move up and down with respect to frame 2 and into and out of contact with the ground surface. For so moving said outrigger, hydraulic cylinder 89 (Fig. 6) is pivotally connected as at 90 to frame 2. The plunger arm 91 of said hydraulic cylinder is attached by pin 92 to one arm of bell crank 93 which is pivotally mounted on frame 2 as by pin 94. The other arm of said bell crank is pin-and-link connected to a flange 95 on I-beam 85 by link 96 and pins 97, 98. The dot-dash position of Fig. 6 shows the outrigger 83 in the lowered position in which it would engage the ground. The controls for so lowering and raising outrigger 33 are accessible from the operators cab (to be later described) and it is therefore obvious that such outrigger can also be used as a bulldozer for clearing or leveling the digging site as well as for stabilizing the vehicle during operation. It is important to note that the provision'of outrigger 83 contributes to the flexibility of use and adaptability of the machine of this invention.

Referring again to turntable assembly 17 it will be seen in Figs. 4, 5 that rotatable sleeve 20 is provided with sprocket gear 99 secured thereto below plate 18. Such sprocket gear and therefore plate 18 with its associated parts is driven by hydraulic motor 100 through drive gear 101, secured to the shaft of said motor, and sprocket chain'102 which is in driving engagement with sprocket 99 and gear 101.

In order to provide operator control for thevarious functions of the machine above described, a power take-off unit (Fig. 3) is'connected to engine 5 to drive hydraulic pumps 106, 107. For the sake of clarity, said pumps are shown schematically in Figs. 7, 8 separated from power take-ofl unit 105 and with arrows showing the direction of hydraulic fluid flow. Furthermore, the hydraulic systems are depicted completely only in Figs. 7, 8

with the various controlled parts being shown in dot-dash lines for purposes of association only.

Fig. 7 shows four conventional, double-acting, plungeroperated control valves 108, 109, 110, and 111 connected to the output" line 112 and the input or receiver line 113 of pump 106. The active side ofva lve 108 is connected for'operation, by hydrauliolines 114, 115, 'to' opposite ends of hydraulic cylinder 42 (the fluid therefore acting on opposite sides of the piston of said cylinder). Actuation of valve 108 causes pressure to be applied from pump 106 to the selected end of cylinder 42 thereby causing the shortening or lengthening of cylinder 42 and the raising or lowering of boom 40. Valve 108 may therefore be called the. boom control. In a similar manner the active side of valve 109 is shown connected by lines 116, 117 to bydraulic motor 100 (which is reversible) for rotating turntable 18; and thereby swinging boom 40. Valve 109 is therefore the swing control.

In a like manner the active side of valve 110 is connected as by hydraulic lines 118, 119 to opposite ends of cylinder 56- which, as described, acts to tilt bucket 54. Valve 110 may therefore be referred to as the tilt control. Valve 111 is similarly connected by hydraulic lines 120, 131 to either end of crowd-haulback or push-pull cylinder 51 for varying the angularity of bucket arm 48 with respect to boom 40. Lines 120, 121 are seen to have branch lines 122, 123 intersecting therewith and connectingto cable drum-driving hydraulic motor 78. Furthermore, in lines 120 and 122 are placed simple shutoff valves 124. It will be seen that by' shutting valve 124 in line Mind. by opening valve 124 in line 122 the hydraulic fluid controlled by valve 111 will be made to actuate motor 78 rather than cylinder 51 and vice-versa. It is obvious that a single. three-way valve at the juncture of lines 121, 122 may be used to replace valves 124 thereby allowing simple switching of control by a single valve 111 between cylinder 51 and motor 78 when it is desired to operate hoist cable 79 rather than to perform the digging operation.

Referring to Fig. 8, which shows a partial plan view of the digging machine in dot-dash lines with a further portion of the hydraulic system schematically shown thereon, aduplication of swing control valve 189 is shown in order to tie the two hydraulic diagrams together. It is obvious that a single hydraulic pump of sufiicient capacity with or without a hydraulic reservoir may be substituted for pumps 186, 167 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore valve 109 may as well be connected to output 125 and input 126 of pump 197. Also connected to such output and input (as shown in Fig. 8) are similar control valves 127, 128,

and 129.

Secured to frame 2 and tie rod 130 (Fig. 3) and acting parallel to the latter is hydraulic cylinder 131 actuation of which will cause tie rod 138 to reciprocate and front wheels 3 to turn. Mounted on the rear of frame 2 and operably connected by sprocket wheels 132, 133 and chain 134 to a vertical shaft 135 supporting rear wheels 4 is reversible hydraulic motor 136. Rotation of the shaft of such motor under hydraulic pressure causes turning of rear wheels 4 with respect to vehicle 1.

Returning to Fig. 8, hydraulic cylinder 131 will be seen to be connected to front steering control valve 127 by hydraulic fluid lines 137, 138 whereby under the control of valve 127 front wheels 3 may be independently steered. In a like manner rear steering control valve 128 is connected by hydraulic lines 139, 146 to hydraulic motor 136 for the purpose of steering rear wheels 4. Outrigger control valve 129 is similarly connected to outrigger actuating hydraulic cylinder 89 by hydraulic lines 141, 142 for controlling the raising and lowering of outrigger 83.

In order that the various functions of the digging machine may be controlled by an operator from a single location on the machine, a plurality of levers are provided adjacent seat 11 of the operators cab shown in Fig. 2 which also shows the various, described, control valves in dotted lines. Steering control may perhaps be most conveniently provided by a pair of rotatable levers 143, 144 respectively connected by simple linkages 145, 146 to the control rods of valves 127, 128. In a like manner pivotable outrigger lever 147 may be connected by simple link 148 to the control rod of valve 129.

To perform the primary digging functions, that is, boom raising, swinging, tilting the bucket, and push-pull, a pair of levers 149, 150 only, need be provided by the novel arrangement of this invention. In detail, referring to Figs. 9, 10, lever 15:) will be seen to be pivotally connected at its lower end by pin 151 to ear 152 on shaft 153 which is mounted in bearing 154 for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of pivot pin 151. At a point spaced upwardly from pivot pin 151 lever 150 is pivotally connected as by pin 155 to a generally horizontal link 156 the other end of which is connected to the control rod of valve 111 under operators seat 11. As lever is moved to the dot-dash positions shown the control position of valve 111 will therefore be changed resulting in the extension or retraction of hydraulic cylinder 51 and therefore the movement of bucket arm 48 with respect to boom 40, as previously described.

Shaft 153 is also provided with upstanding arm 159 to the upper end of which is pivotally connected (as by pin 160) horizontal link 161 (Fig. 10) extending in a direction normal to link 156. The end of link 161 removed from pin 160 is attached to the control rod of valve 110 (which may also be secured under seat 11) and movement of lever 150 about the axis of shaft 153 to the dot-dash position shown in Fig. 10 similarly controls the operation of hydraulic cylinder 56 and results in the tilting of bucket 54 with respect to bucket arm 48 in the manner described. Lever 149 is linked to and controls valves 108, 109 in a similar manner for raising and lowering boom 40 and for swinging turntable 18, respectively.

In this manner each control lever 14 9, 159 has a dual function in controlling a pair of digging operations thereby eliminating a second pair of conventionally-required levers. Once the digging machine of this invention is set for operation the operator need only direct his attention to levers 149, 158 and by their forward and back or sideward displacement is able to perform fully all digging operations. The two small levers 162 appearing in Fig. 2 are connected for operating valves 124 for shifting the control of valve 111 from push-pull cylinder 51 to cable drum motor 78 as described. It is obvious that only a single lever 162 need be provided for the three-way control valve previously mentioned as replacing valves 124.

One of the important provisions of this invention is illustrated in the details of bucket 54 shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13. Said bucket comprises a rectangular enclosure having side plates 163, 164, top plate 165 and bottom 166 which may include outwardly extending digging teeth 167. One end of the thus-formed open-ended rectangular enclosure is covered by flap 168 which is secured thereto for swinging by hinge pins 169 extending through and secured to sides 163, 164 at the upper corner thereof and extending through ears 170 on flap 168. Latch 171 for holding said flap against the edges of sides 163, 164 and bottom 166 is formed by providing extensions 172, extending rearwardly from sides 163, 164 and having upwardly directed notches 173 therein. Rotatably received in flanges 174, on the back of flap 168, is shaft 175 having offset portions 176 adapted to engage and be held in notches 173 when in the position shown in Fig. 11. Such shaft is also provided with downwardly and outwardly extending arm 177 to the other end of which is secured trip line 178 which may extend over pulley 179 (at the upper corner of the bucket as shown) and over other necessary pulleys (not shown) to the operators cab. A pull on trip line 178 causes the end of arm 177 to be raised rotating offset portions 176 free from notches 173 thereby allowing flap 168 to swing about pivot 169 and open the bucket for emptying the contents therefrom.

Rotatably secured to the top 165 of bucket 54 as by bolt 180 is annular plate 181 having spaced diametrically disposed upstanding flanges 182 on the top thereof. Bucket arm 48 is pivotally connected as by bolt 183 between flanges 182 at one end thereof. Between the other ends of flanges 182 the piston rod of hydraulic cylinder 56 is likewise connected thereto by bolt 184. In this manner, as before described, extension or retraction of the piston rod of cylinder 56 causes the bucket to be tilted about pivot bolt 183. This provision allows the operator complete control over the angularity of the bucket without moving from the operators cab and performs the important function of enabling the machine to dig a verticalsided hole or bank. This is especially important where such vertical-sided hole is required as in basement or foundation digging since the complete job may be per- 7 a formed by the machine of this inventioneliminating the necessity of hand finishing and the like.

Rotatable, annular plate 181'is formed in two portions of different diameters about the center at pivotbolt 180, providing shoulders or recesses 185 for receiving stop member 186. Said stop member is secured to top 165 of bucket 54 at a point spaced from bolt 180 equal to the radius of the smaller-diameter portion of plate 181. Bucket 54 is therefore capable of rotating with respect to plate'181' 180 from the position shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13 to the position shown in Fig.1. Locking member 187 reciprocably received in boss 188 in plate 181 has its lower end 189 in engagement with one of a pair of openings 190 (Figs. 12, 13) in top 'plate .165 of bucket 54 for the'purpose. of locking said bucket with respect to plate 181. ineither of, the aforementioned positions. Compression'spring .191 acting between boss 188 and flange 192 on locking member 187 acts .to yieldably hold lower end 189 in opening 190 until purposely released by withdrawing member 187.

' Thus it is seen that a provision is made for easily reversing' bucket 54 with respect to plate 181 and bucket arm 48 and hydraulic cylinder 56. Such easy reversal adapts the machine of this invention for double use either as a normal shovel or as a back-hoe. This is an important feature in providing great adaptability and flexibility in operation of this machine.

" Although this invention has been described and illustrated indetail it is not to berestricted thereby as it is obvious/that modifications could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Iclaim: Y I

1. A digging bucket comprising an ope'n-ended'substantially rectangular enclosure having a top plate, side plates, anda bottom plate, a closure member at one end of said enclosure, an annular member rotatably secured to said top plate, means on said annular member for pivotally securing a bucket arm thereto and for securing means for tilting said bucket with respect to'said arm.

2; 'In a digging machine having a vertically and horigenerally rectangular, open-ended enclosurehaving to and bottom walls and a pair of side walls, a closure member adapted to close one end of said enclosure, and means for reversibly pivot-ally connecting said enclosure to said arm andsaid power means. a V r i 3. A digging bucket comprising: a generally rectangular, open-ended enclosure, a mounting member for attachment to a power operated digging machine, means rotatably connecting said member to said enclosure for selective rotation about a first axis, stop means for locking. said member'to said enclosure against said rotation, and attachment means on said member providing pivotireceiv-i ing means for connection to the bucket arm 'of a digging machine .to permit tilting of said member and said. en-g closure relative to said arm about a second axis generally normal to said first axis and providing connecting meansspaced from said pivot receiving means 'for connection to power means for so tilting said enclosure.

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